FG Mandates JAMB to Enforce 18 Years as Minimum Age for Tertiary Institution Admissions

Abuja, Nigeria – July 18, 2024: The Federal Government has directed the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to enforce a minimum age requirement of 18 years for entry into tertiary institutions. This decision was announced by the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, during the 2024 Policy meeting of JAMB in Abuja.

Key Information:
Minimum Age: 18 years
Applicable To: All tertiary institutions in Nigeria
Announced By: Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman
Education System: 6-3-3-4
Law: Nigerian Education Law

The New Directive
The Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, emphasized that this directive aligns with Nigeria’s educational framework, which outlines that students should start primary school at six years old, spend six years in primary school, complete three years of basic education, and finish three years of secondary education. This age requirement is a reinforcement of existing laws governing admissions into tertiary institutions.

Rationale Behind the Decision
The directive aims to prevent parents from pressuring their underage children to gain premature admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. It ensures that students are adequately prepared for higher education, maintaining the integrity and quality of Nigeria’s educational system.

Mixed Reactions
The directive received varied responses from vice-chancellors, rectors, and registrars present at the meeting. Despite the mixed reactions, the minister stood firm on the decision, stating that adherence to this age benchmark is essential for maintaining educational standards.

Minister’s Statement
“JAMB is hereby instructed from admission this year to admit only eligible students, that is, those who have attained 18 years by our laws,” said Minister Tahir Mamman. He reiterated that this position is supported by the legal framework of Nigeria and should not require a ministerial statement to be implemented.